Is it necessary to have a separate controlled drugs cabinet in addition to a locked medication cabinet?

Answered by Quality Compliance Systems (QCS)

I understand you are a supported living or domiciliary care provider and as such controlled medication should be risk assessed taking into account whether the service user can administer this themselves or will need support.

Supported living schemes should work with service users in a way that meets their individual needs and the manufacturer’s requirements. Medicines should be stored in a service user’s own home, rather than centrally. Care staff should store controlled drugs safely and consider the risk of misuse or diversion. These medicines do not need to be stored in a separate controlled drug cupboard.